In the past, the pontifical household included a vast cast of characters that ministered to the pope, including barbers and official wine tasters, according to Agostino Paravicini Bagliani, a historian specializing in the papacy. But more modern papacies have streamlined the retinue to a skeleton staff.

Francis still has no household staff, not even a personal butler. Since his election, he has declined to move into the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, preferring to remain in the Casa Santa Marta, the modest Vatican City guesthouse where the cardinals stayed during the conclave.

“He likes to eat with others, so there’s no need for a butler,” Father Benedettini said.